Aims

At the end of this course, the student will have an overview of the Egyptian and Near Eastern literary production (from the origins to the Hellenistic Period). This will enable him/her to make a geographical, chronological and generic classification of the significant works. (S)he will be able to deeply study a given theme, which can be studied in relation with the Bible, the classical literature or other Oriental literature.

Main themes

Introduction to the major works and to the different literary genres issued B.C., in the old Near Eastern civilisations (Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria) and in Pharaonic Egypt.
Study of themes present in this literatures and of their continuous presence in our western civilisation.

Content and teaching methods

After a presentation of a geographical and historical frame, there will be systematic presentations giving a general idea of the major works and of the different literary genres of B.C. in the old Near Eastern civilisations (Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria) and in Pharaonic Egypt: 1) Myths and epic (like the cosmogonies and stories of the "Flood"); 2) Religious and funeral texts; 3) historic and literary texts; 4) didactic and poetic texts.
In depth study of certain themes present in those different literatures, which will emphasize the specific characteristics of each literature and give the legacy of our western civilisation. The course will be illustrated by reading extracts being translated: as a consequence, no linguistic prerequisite is needed. The professor's notes are available.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : none.
Evaluation : oral exam with the possibility to present a prepared paper for some part of the marks.
Texts and books : notes given at the course (including a compilation of texts to be translated).

Other credits in programs